Protests Continue in Greece, Sources Say Travel Unaffected

Protests in Athens continued on Wednesday as Greek lawmakers approved a package of austerity measures demanded by international lenders.

CNN is reporting that riot police fired rounds of tear gas to keep small crowds of protesters away from Parliament in the run-up to the vote. Crowds outside Parliament swelled as the vote took place, but both sides showed some restraint, with police and demonstrators eyeing each other warily rather than wading into the melee.

It remains to be seen how the protests will affect travel to Greece. The Greek National Tourism Organisation said on its Twitter feed that travelers can feel safe about visiting: "The protests in Athens are isolated and in controlled areas. They have absolutely no effect on foreign visitors and travel plans…There isn't any reason to be worried. It is safe to travel!"

Bruce Good from Seabourn told Travel Agent that the protests have not affected the line’s cruises in Greek ports, and that the company is regularly checking in with port operators to guarantee safety. “The Seabourn Quest turns around at Piraeus, Greece on Monday,” he added. “We’ll have to watch and see what happens.”

Seabourn did not have a formal statement about the protests. “We'd have a statement if we were affected, but we're not,” Good said.